EGD

Why the Test is Performed

Your health care provider may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of an infection or other disease of the small intestine. In most cases, this test is only done when a diagnosis was not able to be made from stool and blood tests.

Normal Results

A normal result means no disease-related substances or changes were found in the sample when examined under the microscope.

The small intestine normally contains certain healthy bacteria and yeast. Their presence is not a sign of disease.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means that certain microorganisms, such as the parasites Giardia or Strongyloides were seen in the tissue sample, or that there were changes in the structure (anatomy) of the tissue.

Risks

A laboratory smear poses no risks to the patient. For risks related to obtaining a sample of intestinal tissue, see EGD.

EGD

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), stomach, and ...

Small intestine tissue sample - illustration

A sample of small intestine is obtained by the use of a flexible scope that is passed through the digestive tract to the small intestine. In the small intestine, a small sample is removed and placed on a microscope slide. The sample is stained and sectioned (sliced) for histological (tissue) examination. The test is performed to diagnose an infection or parasitic infestation of the small bowel.

Small intestine tissue s...

illustration

Small intestine tissue sample - illustration

A sample of small intestine is obtained by the use of a flexible scope that is passed through the digestive tract to the small intestine. In the small intestine, a small sample is removed and placed on a microscope slide. The sample is stained and sectioned (sliced) for histological (tissue) examination. The test is performed to diagnose an infection or parasitic infestation of the small bowel.